Youth Skier Development Program
The Youth Skier Development Program is a fun-based, affordable program, cultivating a love of cross country skiing in the next generation.
We offer a variety of programs for all skill levels and interests.
Ski development programs are an amazing way to help children and youth develop important lifelong skills and ensure the future of the sport and the club. Come on out and join the team!
Location
Sessions take place at the Castlegar Nordic Ski Trails, located 32 km. west of Castlegar on Highway #3. Park in the parking lot near the Mud Lake trail head. Click here for a Location Map.
Registration
All programs are now open for registration! Follow the link below to register for any of the programs:
Click here to register for any of our Youth Programs listed below
Note: To be registered in any of our Youth Programs, participants will need to also be registered members of our Cross Country BC. If your child is not already a member of our club through a Family Membership or Individual Membership, you can register them using our SDP Discount Code.
Member Registration can be done here
The only fee you will need to pay is a $21 Cross Country BC fee and a small card processing fee. Please contact our program coordinator at [email protected] to receive this Discount Code. Children 6 and under are always free!
Programs:
Roller Ski Weekend Camp (Ages 8-14)
The goal of our camp is to help the students of our SDP and CSDP to get comfortable on roller skis so that when fall training arrives in September, we’re all ready to clip in and hit the tarmac as a team.
CNSC will provide roller skis for all participants. BYOB (Bring Your Own Boots!). First Aid will be on-site.
Participants should have some experience in skate skiing or a good background in both classic skiing and ice-skating.
Duration: 3 hour sessions 
Cost: $45
Classes: 2 mornings – Saturday August 12th/ Sunday August 13th, 2023, 9am-12pm
Location: Stanley Humphries Secondary School Front Parking Lot
Jack Rabbits and Bunny Rabbits (Ages 4-9)
The Jack Rabbit program is the classic nation-wide youth skier development program. This fun and family oriented program focuses on teaching kids all of the fundamentals of Nordic skiing as well as showing them the adventure and enjoyment of the sport.
The program follows a progression of 5 classes, all with a focus on different age and skill levels. Using a graduated evaluation system, these classes will introduce your kids to the sport and bring them to full proficiency in all ski techniques over their journey. We cover everything from how to put on your skis and get dressed for the weather, to skate skiing and more advanced ski techniques for kids. With a strong emphasis on fun and games, your kids are sure to have a blast!
Bunny Rabbits: Ages 4-5
Jack Rabbits: Levels 1/2, Ages 6-7; Levels 3/4, Ages 8-9
Duration: 1.5 hour sessions
Cost: $85, plus occasional parent volunteer commitment
Classes: Saturday afternoons from Jan. 6th, 2023 to March 16th, 2024.
Location: Castlegar Nordic Ski Trails
Fall Training Youth Program (ages 8-14)
This program is for young skiers of all levels who want an introduction to training and racing and who enjoy the camaraderie, sport and out-door opportunities of Nordic skiing. Through a focus on team-building games, cardio, coordination, speed and flexibility exercises, your kids will hit the snow ready to go this year! If your kids want to improve their fitness level for the upcoming race season or they are simply looking for a way to have fun while they improve their skills with a team of other kids, they’re sure to have a blast at our new Fall Training Youth Program!
Duration: 1.5 hour sessions
Cost: $85
Classes: Saturday mornings from September 16th to November 11th, 2023
Location: Kinnaird Park, Castlegar, BC
Track Attack (Ages 8-14)
Want to be a part of the CNSC race team? The fun starts here!
Nordic Skiing can be a challenging sport, especially for kids and teens! But the fun really starts when they learn to master the glide, tear around corners, zip up and down the hills, breathe deeply in the woods, and above all, get to share this experience with friends and competitors of their own age.
This program will introduce kids to racing techniques and strategies, develop their skills and endurance and help build their confidence to participate in a number of regional and provincial race events with young skiers form all over BC. The program has a strong emphasis on team-building, technique development and finding fun in the sport. Come on out and join the team!
Note: Registered participants should have some experience with ski classes. Participation in competitions is recommended, but not required.
Duration: 1.5 hour sessions
Cost: $145, plus competition entry fees
Classes: Saturday afternoons and one weekday evening from December 9th, 2023 to March 16th, 2024
Competitions: The team will have the opportunity to attend 5 regional races: 2 local Loppets and 3 Kootenay Cup events. Athletes may decide on which races they will attend.
Location: Castlegar Nordic Ski Trails
For program information email: